The Common Experience Payment (CEP) is one element of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement. The court-approved Settlement Agreement was implemented on September 19, 2007, and was negotiated by representatives from various Aboriginal organizations, church entities, legal representatives for former students, and the Government of Canada. The CEP is paid to eligible former students who resided at a listed Indian Residential School. Eligible former students receive $10,000 for their first year (or part thereof) of their attendance at a listed Indian Residential School plus $3,000 for each additional year (or part thereof).
Applicants
- The deadline for applying for the CEP is September 19, 2011. If you know someone who attended an Indian Residential School, but has not yet applied for the CEP, please let them know of the deadline. Application forms or information can be found by contacting 1-866-879-4913 or on Service Canada’s website.
- If your address has changed since you applied for the CEP and you have not received correspondence since submitting your application, it is important that you advise the CEP Response Centre of this change by calling 1-866-565-4526. With your permission, they will also ensure the change is noted at Service Canada.
Applicants can call 1-866-565-4526 for updates on their applications or visit the website for more information regarding the CEP process.
Reconsideration Process
Where an application is denied in full or in part, the Applicant is advised of the reasons and may seek reconsideration. The Applicant may provide additional information that relates to his or her claim, including: photographs, other documentary evidence of a connection with the school, or affidavit evidence.
If you do not apply for the Reconsideration Process, you will not be able to appeal your assessment any further.
Appeal Process
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the Reconsideration Process, you can appeal to the National Administration Committee (NAC), a committee of 7 members made up of one representative from each party to the Settlement Agreement. After reviewing your appeal, the NAC will make a decision and send it to the Appeal Administrator, along with the reasons or the decision. Applicants can get information about the status of their appeal by calling 1-866-879-4916.
For more information or to download applications please visit any of the websites listed below:
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada
http://www.ainc-inac.gc.ca/ai/rqpi/cep/index-eng.asp
Service Canada
http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/goc/cep/index.shtml